What is DIN?

DIN (Director Identification Number) is a unique identification number allotted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to individuals who are appointed as directors of a company. It is mandatory for directors of Indian companies to have a valid DIN for proper identification and legal purposes.

Reasons for DIN Deactivation

A DIN can be deactivated for several reasons, primarily due to non-compliance with MCA regulations. Some of the common reasons include:

1. Non-filing of DIN eKYC – If directors fail to complete the eKYC filing by the due date, their DIN may get deactivated.
2. Non-filing of DIR-3 KYC – Directors are required to file the DIR-3 KYC form annually. Failure to do so will lead to DIN deactivation.
3. Inactive or Non-functioning Companies – If the director is associated with a company that is inactive or non-compliant, their DIN may be deactivated.
4. MCA Non-Compliance – If the company or the director fails to comply with other regulatory requirements set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Process for DIN Reactivation

Reactivating a deactivated DIN is possible through a formal process with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The following steps need to be taken to restore a deactivated DIN:

1. Verify the Reason for Deactivation

Before proceeding with reactivation, check the exact reason for deactivation using the MCA portal. This will help identify the cause (e.g., failure to file eKYC, DIR-3 KYC, etc.).

2. File the Necessary Forms

To reactivate a deactivated DIN, directors must complete and submit the necessary forms based on the cause of deactivation:

• File DIR-3 KYC – If the deactivation was due to non-completion of DIR-3 KYC, file the DIR-3 KYC form for the relevant financial year on the MCA portal.
• Submit DIR-3 KYC (Form-based) – In case of discrepancies or changes in personal details, the form-based DIR-3 KYC should be submitted.
• Re-file eKYC – If deactivation occurred due to non-filing of DIN eKYC, submit the required eKYC documents and complete the process online.

3. Pay Penalties

In most cases, directors are required to pay a penalty for the delay in filing the necessary forms. The penalty amount is generally ₹5,000 for late filing.

4. Submit Documents for Verification

Directors may be required to submit supporting documents to verify their identity and compliance, including:

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
• PAN details

5. Acknowledge the Reactivation

Once the forms are filed and the penalty (if any) is paid, the MCA will verify the submission. Upon successful verification, the DIN will be reactivated, and a confirmation message will be sent to the director's registered email.

Documents Required for DIN Reactivation

1. PAN Card (Mandatory for Indian directors).
2. Aadhaar Card (For identity and address verification).
3. Passport (For foreign directors).
4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for submitting forms online.
5. Email ID and Mobile Number linked to the director’s records.
6. Proof of Payment for the penalty, if applicable.

Penalties for Delayed DIN Reactivation

Directors who fail to reactivate their deactivated DIN within the prescribed time will incur the following penalties:

• Late Fee: ₹5,000 for delayed filing beyond the due date.
• Deactivation Consequences: Once deactivated, the DIN cannot be used for any further appointments as a director.
• Non-compliance Risk: In case of continued non-compliance, directors may face legal consequences, including restrictions on being appointed as a director in other companies.